X-ray apparatus and control method for the same

ABSTRACT

An X-ray apparatus capable of releasing a locked rotation of a wheel using a power supplied from an auxiliary battery of an X-ray detector when a body is discharged, and a control method thereof. A mobile X-ray apparatus includes a body including a body battery, a detector accommodator and a wheel, an X-ray source emits X-rays to an object, a detector battery connector provided on the body and connectable to a detector battery, a power supply circuit connected to the detector battery connector to form a first path in which a power is supplied from the body battery to the detector battery and a second path in which a power is supplied from the detector battery to the body, and a controller controls the power supply circuit to selectively form the first path and the second path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/371,089, filed Dec. 6, 2016, which is related to and claims priorityto Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0032143, filed on Mar. 17, 2016in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an X-ray apparatushaving a wheel to allow the X-ray apparatus to be movable and a controlmethod of the same.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, a medical imaging apparatus is an apparatus to provide animage by acquiring information of a patient. The medical imagingapparatus includes an X-ray apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnosisapparatus, a computed tomography (CT) apparatus and a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) apparatus.

Among this, the X-ray apparatus is a noninvasive diagnosis apparatuscapable of imaging an inner structure of an object by emitting X-rays tothe object and detecting the penetrated X-rays.

In a conventional X-ray apparatus, because an X-ray source and an X-raydetector are fixed to a certain space, a patient should move to anexamination room in which the X-ray imaging apparatus is placed, and thepatient may be needed to place his/her body to fit the X-ray imagingapparatus.

However, there may be a difficulty in scanning a patient having movementdifficulties with a conventional X-ray imaging apparatus, and thus amobile X-ray apparatus has been developed to perform an X-ray imagingregardless of places.

Due to an X-ray source being mounted to a mobile body, and a portableX-ray detector, the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus may come to thepatient having movement difficulties so as to perform X-ray imaging.

SUMMARY

To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary object toprovide an X-ray apparatus capable of releasing a locked rotation of awheel using a power supplied from an auxiliary battery of an X-raydetector when a body is discharged, and a control method thereof.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure will be set forth in partin the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile X-rayapparatus includes a body including a body battery, a detectoraccommodator provided at an outside of the body, and a wheel provided ata lower side of the body, an X-ray source coupled to the body andconfigured to emit X-rays to an object, a detector battery connectorprovided on the body and connectable to a detector battery that ismountable on an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays emitted by the X-raysource, a power supply circuit connected to the detector batteryconnector to form a first path in which a power is supplied from thebody battery to the detector battery and a second path in which a poweris supplied from the detector battery to the body and a controllerconfigured to control the power supply circuit to selectively form thefirst path and the second path.

The controller may control the power supply circuit to form the firstpath in which a power is supplied from the body battery to the detectorbattery connector when the body battery is capable of supplying a power.

The controller may control the power supply circuit to form the secondpath in which a power is supplied from the detector battery to the bodywhen the body battery is incapable of supplying a power.

The power supply circuit may further include a detector batteryrecognizer configured to determine whether the detector battery isconnected to the detector battery connector, and the controller maycontrol the power supply circuit to block the first path when thedetector battery is not connected to the detector battery connector.

The detector battery connector may be positioned at the detectoraccommodator provided on a surface of the outside of the body, and thedetector battery connector may be connectable to the detector batterymounted on the X-ray detector when the X-ray detector is accommodated inthe detector accommodator.

The detector battery connector may be provided on a detector batterycoupler that is provided on a lower end of a handle of the body to guidethe detector battery such that the detector battery is connected to thedetector battery connector.

The body may further include a wheel driver configured to provide thewheel with a torque using the power supplied from the body battery and abrake configured to lock a rotation of the wheel, the controller maycontrol the brake such that the wheel is rotatable by the power suppliedfrom the detector battery when the rotation of the wheel is prevented.

The power supply circuit may include a first converter configured toreduce a voltage of the power supplied from the body battery to thebrake and a second converter configured to reduce a voltage of the powersupplied from the body battery to the detector battery.

The power supply circuit may further include a third converterconfigured to increase a voltage of the power supplied from the detectorbattery to the brake.

The power supply circuit may further include a first switch configuredto form a path in which a power is supplied to the brake from one of thebody battery and the detector battery.

The power supply circuit may further include a second switch configuredto transmit or block a power supplied to the brake.

The power supply circuit may further include a third switch configuredto transmit the power, a voltage of which is increased by the thirdconverter, to the brake.

The power supply circuit may further include a fourth switch configuredto transmit the power, a voltage of which is reduced by the firstconverter, to the brake.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a mobileX-ray apparatus includes a body including a body battery, a detectoraccommodator provided at an outside of the body, and a wheel provided ata lower side of the body, an X-ray source coupled to the body andconfigured to emit X-rays to an object, a detector battery connectorprovided on the body and connectable to a detector battery that ismountable on an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays emitted by the X-raysource, a power supply circuit connected to the detector batteryconnector to form a first path in which a power is supplied from thebody battery to the detector battery and a second path in which a poweris supplied from the detector battery to the body, a controllerconfigured to control the power supply circuit to selectively form thefirst path and the second path and an auxiliary input configured toreceive a rotation unlock command of the wheel. The controller maycontrol the power supply circuit to form the second path along which apower is supplied from the detector battery to the body when therotation unlock command is received through the auxiliary input.

The body may further include a wheel driver configured to provide thewheel with a torque using the power supplied from the body battery and abrake configured to lock a rotation of the wheel. The controller maycontrol the brake such that the wheel is rotatable by the power suppliedfrom the detector battery when the rotation unlock command is received.

The auxiliary input may be provided on a handle provided on the body.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, A method ofcontrolling a mobile X-ray apparatus includes locking a rotation of awheel provided on a body when a body battery provided on the body of themobile X-ray apparatus is incapable of supplying a power, and receivinga power control command of the mobile X-ray apparatus and in response toreceiving the power control command, forming a second path in which apower is supplied to the body from a detector battery that isconnectable to a detector battery connector of the body.

The method may further include forming a first path in which a power issupplied from the body battery to the detector battery when the bodybattery is capable of supplying a power.

The receiving of the power control command may include receiving arotation unlock command of the wheel through an auxiliary input that isprovided on the body, and the forming of the second path may include, inresponse to receiving the rotation unlock command of the wheel, forminga power supply path in which a power of the detector battery is suppliedto a brake provided on the body such that the wheel is rotatable.

The method may further include supplying a power of the detector batteryto the brake.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases usedthroughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” aswell as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term“or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller”means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least oneoperation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware orsoftware, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should benoted that the functionality associated with any particular controllermay be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout thispatent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understandthat in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, aswell as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a configuration of an X-ray apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a control flow and a power flow of the X-rayapparatus in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a power flow when the body battery of the X-rayapparatus is in a state incapable of supplying the power in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of the power supply circuit inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first power supply path of the power supply circuitin accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second power supply path of the power supplycircuit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration of a power supply circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a detector battery recognizer in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detector battery recognizer in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a detector battery coupling unit in accordance withone embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrates a position of a detector battery sideconnection terminal in accordance with a variety of embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a power flow when a body battery of an X-rayapparatus is incapable of supplying the power in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of the X-ray apparatus in accordancewith one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A through 13, discussed below, and the various embodiments usedto describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged X-ray apparatus. The presentdisclosure will now be described more fully with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosureare shown.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a configuration of an X-ray apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a controlflow and a power flow of the X-ray apparatus in accordance with oneembodiment. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, a general arrow illustrates a controlflow and a thick arrow illustrates a power flow.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2A, according to one embodiment, an X-rayapparatus 100 may include a body 110; a wheel 165 provided in a lowerside of the body 110 to allow the X-ray apparatus 100 to be movable; andan X-ray detector 200 configured to be placed in the body 110. Inaddition, an image processor 190 is configured to generate an X-rayimage based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 200; a driver 160configured to supply an external force to the wheel 165 for themovement; a controller 180 configured to control a component of theX-ray apparatus 100; a body battery (BM) configured to provide a powerwhich is then supplied to the each component of the X-ray apparatus 100;and a power supply circuit 300 configured to transmit the power suppliedfrom the body battery (BM) to each component of the body 110 may beprovided in the inside of the body 110. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, anX-ray source 140 configured to emit X-rays to an object; a maininput/output unit 150 configured to perform an input and output by auser; and a detector accommodation unit 111 provided with a space inwhich the X-ray detector is accommodated may be provided in the exteriorof the body 110.

The main input/output unit 150 may be provided on one side of the body110. The main input/output unit 150 may perform an input and output bythe user, and for this, the main input/output unit 150 may include amain input 151 and a main output unit 152.

The main output unit 152 may output an X-ray image in a visual manner.In this time, the X-ray image output by the main output unit 152 mayinclude an X-ray image generated based on the X-rays detected by theX-ray detector 200 and an X-ray image that is pre-stored in an externalstorage medium or a server.

At the same time, the main output unit 152 may visually output a controlscreen to receive an input of a control command related to an X-rayimage that is outputting. For example, the main output unit 152 mayoutput a control screen to input a command, wherein the command mayinclude a command to magnify and de-magnify an X-ray image that isoutputting, a selection command to select at least one of a plurality ofX-ray images, a marking command to mark a certain position or area in anX-ray image, and a command to modify an X-ray image.

The main output unit 152 may visually output information related to theX-ray apparatus 100 together with the X-ray image or visually output theinformation separated from the X-ray image. For example, the main outputunit 152 may visually output power information of the X-ray apparatus100, location information of the X-ray source 140 and rotationinformation of the wheel 165.

For this, the main output unit 152 may be implemented by at least one ofwell-known display panels.

The main input 151 may receive an input of a control command related tothe X-ray apparatus 100. Particularly, the main input 151 may receive aninput of a control command related to an X-ray image output via the mainoutput unit 152. The main input 151 may receive an input of a command,wherein the command may include a command to magnify and de-magnify anX-ray image that is outputting from the main output unit 152, aselection command to select at least one of a plurality of X-ray images,a marking command to mark a certain position or area in an X-ray image,and a command to modify an X-ray image.

In addition, the main input 151 may receive an input of a controlcommand related to an entire operation of the X-ray apparatus 100. Forexample, the main input 151 may receive an input of a command, whereinthe command may include a power control command of the X-ray apparatus100, a moving command of the X-ray source 140, a rotation command of thewheel 165 and a rotation lock command of the wheel 165. For this, themain input 151 may be implemented by a key board, a mouse, a track ball,a jog shuttle, and a touch pad.

When the main input 151 is implemented by a touch pad and disposed on afront surface of the main output unit 152, the main input 151 togetherwith the main output unit 152 may be implemented by a single touchscreen.

The X-ray source 140 may emit X-rays to an object. For this, the X-raysource 140 may include an X-ray tube and a collimator.

In order to emit X-rays to a position that is a target for acquiring anX-ray image, the X-ray source 140 may be provided to be free to movewith respect to the body 110. For this, the body 110 may include asupport 120 provided to be perpendicular to the ground, and the X-raysource 140 may be coupled to the support 120 via an arm 130.

The support 120 may be provided to be rotatable in a D1 direction. Inaddition, a rail may be formed on the support 120 in a D2 direction sothat the arm 130 is vertically movable. An end of the arm 130 may becoupled to the support 120 to be movable along the rail of the support120, and the other end of the arm 130 may be coupled to the X-ray source140. As a result, the X-ray source 140 coupled to the arm 130 may bemovable in a direction perpendicular to the ground in which the rail ofthe support 120 is formed, that is, in the D2 direction. In addition,the X-ray source 140 may be rotatable with respect to the supportaccording to a rotation of the support in the D1 direction. In addition,the support 120 may be formed to have two steps, which are interlockedto each other, so that an upper end to which the arm 130 is coupled isextended in a direction perpendicular to a lower end fixed to the body110.

The arm 130 may include a rotation joint configured to be rotatable in aplurality of D3 directions. In addition, a length of the arm 130 may beadjustable in the vertical direction of the support 120, that is, astraight direction of D4. Therefore, according to an extension orcontraction of the length of the arm 130 or the rotation of the arm 130,the X-ray source 140 coupled to the other end of the arm 130 may bemovable in the D3 and D4 direction. In addition, the X-ray source 140may be pivotable in D5 direction.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may include an additional motor configured toprovide a force to move the X-ray source 140 in the D1 to D5 directions.Alternatively, the X-ray apparatus 100 may be manually movable by auser. The detector accommodation unit 111 provided in the exterior ofthe body 110 may include a space in which the X-ray detector 200 isaccommodated. FIG. 1A illustrates that the X-ray detector 200 is notplaced in the detector accommodation unit 111, and FIG. 1B illustratesthat the X-ray detector 200 is placed in the detector accommodation unit111. The user may place the X-ray detector 200 in the detectoraccommodation unit 111 as needed. Accordingly, when moving the body 110,the X-ray detector 200 may be moved together with the body 110 and theX-ray detector 200 may be easily stored.

The X-ray detector 200 may detect X-rays and generate an electric signalcorresponding to the X-rays. For this, the X-ray detector 200 may employat least one method in well-known methods for detecting X-rays.

The X-ray detector 200 may include a detector battery (BS) configured tobe detachable so that the X-ray detector 200 is independently operablewhile being separated from the body 110. A description thereof will bedescribed later.

The electric signal generated by the X-ray detector 200 may betransmitted to the image processor 190 inside of the body 110. The imageprocessor 190 may process the generated electric signal based on thedetected X-rays so as to generate an X-ray image of an object. Thegenerated X-ray image may be visually output by the above mentioned mainoutput unit 152.

The X-ray image generated by the image processor 190 may includeanatomical information of the object and thus the user may check theanatomical structure of the inside of the object based on the X-rayimage output by the main output unit 152.

The wheel 165 may be provided to be rotatable in a lower side of thebody 110. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate that two front wheels providedadjacent to the support 120 in the lower portion of the body 110 and tworear wheels provided far from the support 120 in the lower portion ofthe body 110 are provided, but the number of the wheel 165 is notlimited thereto.

A handle 112 may be provided on the exterior of the body 110 so that theuser easily controls a moving direction of the body 110 when moving thebody 110. The user may change or maintain the moving direction of thebody 110 or control a moving speed by holding the handle 112.

The driver 160 may include a wheel driver 163 providing a torque to thewheel 165 and a brake 164 stopping a rotation of the wheel 165.

The wheel driver 163 may be implemented by a driving motor, and thewheel driver 163 may be connected to an entire of the wheel 165 or someof the wheel 165. For example, the wheel driver 163 may be connected toonly the rear wheel 162 to provide the torque and then the front wheel161 may be rotated according to the rotation of the rear wheel 162.

The brake 164 may provide a frictional force to the rotating wheel 165to stop the rotation of the wheel 165. For this, the brake 164 may beimplemented in an electric manner, e.g. a solenoid. When the power isnot applied to the brake 164, the brake 164 may stop the rotation of thewheel 165 by providing the frictional force to a drive shaft of thewheel driver 163. In contrast, when the power is applied, the brake 164may be apart from the drive shaft of the wheel driver 163 so that thewheel 165 may be converted into a state in which the wheel 165 is freeto be rotatable.

The controller 180 may control each component of the body 110. Forexample, when performing an X-ray imaging, the controller 180 maycontrol the main output unit 152 so that the main output unit 152outputs a screen for the control of the X-ray imaging, and control themain input 151 so that the main input 151 receives an input of a commandfor the X-ray imaging. When the command for the X-ray imaging is input,the controller 180 may control the X-ray source 140 so that X-rays areemitted to the object.

As another example, when the user wants to move the X-ray apparatus 100to a desired location, the controller 180 may control the main outputunit 152 so that the main output unit 152 outputs a screen to controlthe movement of the body 110 and control the main input 151 so that themain input 151 receives a movement control command of the body 110.According to the input control command, the controller 180 may move theX-ray apparatus 100 by controlling the wheel driver 163 and/or the brake164.

The body battery (BM) may be provided inside of the body 110 to providethe power. According to the disclosed embodiment, the movement of thelocation the X-ray apparatus 100 may be free by the wheel 165, and thusthe X-ray apparatus 100 may be provided with an independent body battery(BM) other than commercial electricity.

The power supply circuit 300 may be connected to the body battery (BM)to form a path, to which a power provided from the body battery (BM) issupplied, according to the control of the controller 180. Referring toFIG. 2A, the power supply circuit 300 may supply the power provided fromthe body battery (BM) to the main input/output unit 150, the controller180, the X-ray source 140 and the driver 160.

As mentioned above, the X-ray detector 200 may be provided with thedetector battery (BS) configured to be detachable so that the X-raydetector 200 is independently operable when separated from the body 110.In this time, the power supply circuit 300 may supply the power suppliedfrom the body battery (BM) to the detector battery (BS) to charge thedetector battery (BS) of the X-ray detector 200. FIG. 2B illustratesthat the detector battery (BS) is charged by the body battery (BM).

When the X-ray apparatus 100 does not perform an X-ray imaging, theX-ray apparatus 100 may charge the detector battery (BS) using the bodybattery (BM) so that a malfunction or unfunction caused by the dischargeof the X-ray detector 200 may be prevented in advance and the mobilityof the X-ray detector 200 may be improved.

When the body battery (BM) is completely discharged or the output of thepower is blocked due to detecting a danger in the body battery (BM) byBattery Management System (BMS), that is, the body battery (BM) is in astate incapable of supplying the power, the brake 164 may lock therotation of the wheel 165. When the X-ray apparatus 100 is not moved ina desired direction since the power is not supplied to the wheel driver163, the brake 164 may lock the rotation of the wheel 165 to fix theX-ray apparatus 100 to a current position so that the safety of theX-ray apparatus 100 and a user are secured.

In this case, it may be required for the user to charge or replace thebody battery (BM) to restart the movement of the X-ray apparatus 100.However, it may require a considerable time to charge the body battery(BM), and it may be not easy for the user to replace the body battery(BM) since the body battery (BM) is placed inside of the body 110.

According to the disclosed embodiment, when the rotation of the wheel165 is locked, the X-ray apparatus 100 may control the brake 164 so thatthe lock of the wheel 165 is released by the power supplied from thedetector battery (BS).

FIG. 3 illustrates a power flow when the body battery of the X-rayapparatus is in a state incapable of supplying the power in accordancewith one embodiment.

When the body battery (BM) is discharged or the output of the power ofthe body battery (BM) is blocked, the controller 180 may control thepower supply circuit 300 so that the power supplied via the detectorbattery (BS) is supplied to the brake 164. The brake 164 receiving thepower may release the locked rotation of the wheel 165 and when thelocked rotation of the wheel 165 is released, the user may rotate thewheel 165 by applying an external force so as to move the X-rayapparatus 100.

In this time, only when a rotation unlock command of the wheel 165 isinput, the controller 180 may control the brake 164 so that the lockedrotation of the wheel 165 is released by the power supplied from thedetector battery (BS). For this, according to the disclosed embodiment,the X-ray apparatus 100 may further include an auxiliary input 170configured to receive the rotation unlock command of the wheel 165.

When the rotation of the wheel 165 is locked due to an abnormaloperation of the body battery (BM), the auxiliary input 170 may beprovided on an external location of the body 110 so that the user easilyunlocks the wheel 165. The above mentioned FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate acase in which the auxiliary input 170 is formed in the handle 112, butthe position of the auxiliary input 170 is not limited thereto.

Through this, in a state in which the body battery (BM) is incapable ofsupplying the power, it may be possible to prevent that the rotation ofthe wheel 165 is unlocked regardless of the user's intention.

Hereinafter an operation of the power supply circuit 300 in a state inwhich the body battery (BM) is incapable of supplying the power will bedescribed in details.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of the power supply circuit inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5illustrates a first power supply path of the power supply circuit inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6illustrates a second power supply path of the power supply circuit inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 5 and6, a general arrow illustrates a control flow and a thick arrowillustrates a power flow.

Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, the power supplycircuit 300 may include a first converter 310 converting a voltage ofthe power supplied from the body battery (BM) to the brake 164; a secondconverter 350 converting a voltage of the power supplied from the bodybattery (BM) to the detector battery (BS); a third converter 360converting a voltage of the power supplied from the detector battery(BS) to the brake 164; a first switch 320 forming a path in which thepower is supplied from at least one of the body battery (BM) and thedetector battery (BS); and a second switch 330 transmitting or blockingthe power to the brake 164.

In this time, the first switch 320 may be implemented by a relay switchand the second switch 330 may be implemented by a field effecttransistor (FET) to allow ON/OFF control.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the body battery (BM) is normally operated,i.e., the body battery (BM) is in a state capable of supplying thepower, the controller 180 may control the first switch 320 and thesecond switch 330 to form the first power supply path. As a result, thefirst power supply path in which the body battery (BM)—the firstconverter 310—the first switch 320—the second switch 330—the brake 164are connected may be formed.

A process of supplying the power to the brake 164 along the first powersupply path may be formed as follows.

Since the power supplied from the body battery (BM) is greater than apower for the operation of the brake 164, the first converter 310 mayreduce the voltage of the power supplied from the body battery (BM). Forexample, when the body battery (BM) supplies a power of 360V, the firstconverter 310 may convert 360V into 24V.

When the body battery (BM) is normally operated, the first switch 320may connect the first converter 310 to the second switch 330, and thesecond switch 330 may be maintained to be turned on. Therefore, thepower that is converted via the first converter 310 may be transmittedto the brake 164 through the first switch 320 and the second switch 330.

When the body battery (BM) is normally operated, the power supplycircuit 300 may form a charging path of the detector battery (BS). As aresult, the charging path in which the body battery (BM)—the secondconverter 350—a detector battery connector 340—the detector battery (BS)are connected may be formed.

Since the power supplied from the body battery (BM) is greater than apower for the charge of the detector battery (BS), the second converter350 may reduce the voltage of the power supplied from the body battery(BM). For example, when the body battery (BM) supplies a power of 360V,the second converter 350 may convert 360V into 19V.

The detector battery connector 340 may connect the detector battery (BS)to the power supply circuit 300. As a result, the power that isconverted by the second converter 350 may be transmitted to the detectorbattery (BS) through the detector battery connector 340 and finally thedetector battery (BS) may be charged.

In this time, the controller 180 may block the operation of the thirdconverter 360. Since the above mentioned charging path is connected tothe third converter 360, the charging power may be delivered to thebrake 164 and thus there may be a concern that a malfunction of thebrake 164 is generated. Therefore, the operation of the third converter360 may be stopped by the control of the controller 180 when the outputof the body battery (BM) is present.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the body battery (BM) is abnormally operated,i.e., the body battery (BM) is in a state incapable of supplying thepower, the controller 180 and the auxiliary input 170 may control thefirst switch 320 and the second switch 330 to form a second power supplypath. As a result, the second power supply path in which the detectorbattery (BS)—the third converter 360—the first switch 320—the secondswitch 330—the brake 164 are connected may be formed.

A process of supplying the power to the brake 164 along the second powersupply path may be formed as follows.

Since the power supplied from the detector battery (BS) is less than apower for the operation of the brake 164, the third converter 360 mayincrease the voltage of the power supplied from the detector battery(BS). For example, when the detector battery (BS) supplies a power of12V, the third converter 360 may convert 12V into 24V.

When the body battery (BM) is abnormally operated, the first switch 320may connect the third converter 360 to the second switch 330. Inaddition, when the auxiliary input 170 receives the rotation unlockcommand of the wheel 165, the second switch 330 may be converted into aturned-on state, and thus the power that is converted via the thirdconverter 360 may be delivered to the brake 164 through the first switch320 and the second switch 330.

Hereinbefore a case in which the power supply circuit 300 includes thefirst switch 320 implemented by the relay switch and the second switch330 implemented by the FET is illustrated as an example. Hereinafter apower supply circuit in accordance with another embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration of a power supply circuit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, according to another embodiment, a power supplycircuit may include a first converter 310 converting a voltage of thepower supplied from the body battery (BM) to a brake 164; a secondconverter 350 converting a voltage of the power supplied from the bodybattery (BM) to the detector battery (BS); a third converter 360converting a voltage of the power supplied from the detector battery(BS) to the brake 164; a third switch 380 transmitting the powerconverted by the third converter to the brake; and a fourth switch 390transmitting the power converted by the first converter to the brake.

The power supply circuit according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 may bedifferent from the power supply circuit of FIG. 4 in that the powersupply circuit of FIG. 7 includes the third switch and the fourthswitch, and thus a description of the same part will be omitted.

The third switch and the fourth switch may be implemented by the FET toallow ON/OFF control. In addition, the third switch may be turned on oroff depending on an input via the auxiliary input 170 while the fourthswitch is turned on or off depending on the control of the controller180.

When the body battery (BM) is normally operated, i.e., the body battery(BM) is in a state capable of supplying the power, the controller 180may control the fourth switch 390 so that the fourth switch 390 forms afirst power supply path. As a result, the first power supply path inwhich the body battery (BM)—the first converter 310—the fourth switch390—the brake 164 are connected may be formed.

Meanwhile, when the body battery (BM) is abnormally operated, i.e., thebody battery (BM) is in a state incapable of supplying the power, theauxiliary input 170 may control the third switch 380 so that the thirdswitch 380 forms a second power supply path. As a result, the secondpower supply path in which the detector battery (BS)—the third converter360—the third switch 380—the brake 164 are connected may be formed.

As mentioned above, in a state in which a charging path is formed, whenthe detector battery connector 340—the third converter 360—the firstswitch 320—the second switch 330 or the detector battery connector340—the third converter 360—the third switch 380 are connected to eachother, the charging power that is converted by the second converter 350may be delivered to the brake 164. As a result, it may be possible togenerate a malfunction of the brake 164 caused by the charging power.

Therefore, the controller 180 may determine whether the second converter350 is operated according to whether the detector battery (BS) isconnected to the detector battery connector 340. The power supplycircuit 300 may further include a detector battery recognizer 370 todetermine whether the detector battery (BS) is connected to the detectorbattery connector 340.

FIG. 8 illustrates a detector battery recognizer in accordance with oneembodiment, and FIG. 9 illustrates a detector battery recognizer inaccordance with another embodiment. For convenience of description, thedetector battery connector 340 may be omitted in FIG. 8.

The detector battery recognizer 370 according to one embodiment may forma voltage dividing circuit inside thereof. In addition, the detectorbattery recognizer 370 may include a mi-com 373 configured to confirm avoltage of a predetermined node in the voltage dividing circuit. Whenthe voltage of the predetermined node is equal to or more than athreshold, the detector battery recognizer 370 may determine that thedetector battery (BS) is connected to the detector battery connector340.

Referring to FIG. 8, the detector battery recognizer 370 may form thevoltage dividing circuit including a first resistance (R1) 371 and asecond resistance (R2) 372. In addition, the first resistance (R1) 371may be connected to a node, which may be connected when the detectorbattery (BS) is connected, and the mi-com 373 may confirm a voltage of abranch node (A) between the first resistance (R1) 371 and the secondresistance (R2) 372. When R1 and R2 are 10 kΩ and a threshold is 4.5V,the detector battery recognizer 370 may confirm whether the detectorbattery (BS) outputting a voltage of from 9 to 12.6V is connected.

The detector battery recognizer 370 according to another embodiment maybe connected to an identification terminal (PMI) among a connectionterminal (PM) of the detector battery connector 340 connected to aconnection terminal (PS) of the detector battery (BS). The detectorbattery recognizer 370 may determine whether the detector battery (BS)is connected, by confirming a voltage of the identification terminal(PMI).

Referring to FIG. 9, the detector battery connector 340 may include thedetector battery connector side-connection terminal (PM) including from1-1th connection terminal to 10-1th connection terminal. Among these,4-1th connection terminal to 9-1th connection terminal may be connectedto 4-2th connection terminal to 9-2th connection terminal in thedetector battery side-connection terminal (PS), and 9-1th connectionterminal as the identification terminal (PMI) may be connected to thedetector battery recognizer 370.

In this time, in the detector battery side-connection terminal (PS), avoltage of V1 may be applied to from 4-2th connection terminal to 6-2thconnection terminal and from 7-2th connection terminal to 9-2thconnection terminal may be grounded. In addition, in the detectorbattery connector side-connection terminal (PM), from 4-1th connectionterminal to 6-1th connection terminal may be short, and from 7-1thconnection terminal to 8-1th connection terminal may be short.

When the detector battery (BS) is connected to the detector batteryconnector 340, 9-2th connection terminal that is grounded may beconnected to 9-1th connection terminal (PMI) and thus 9-1th connectionterminal (PMI) may represent a ground potential.

Meanwhile, when the detector battery (BS) is not connected to thedetector battery connector 340, 7-1th connection terminal, 8-1connection terminal, and 9-1 connection terminal (PMI) in the open statemay represent the open potential.

When a potential of the identification terminal (PMI) is a groundpotential, the detector battery recognizer 370 may determine that thedetector battery (BS) is connected, and when a potential of theidentification terminal (PMI) is an open potential, the detector batteryrecognizer 370 may determine that the detector battery (BS) is notconnected.

According to the above mentioned method, when the detector batteryrecognizer 370 determines whether the detector battery (BS) isconnected, a result of the determination may be delivered to thecontroller 180, and the controller 180 may control an operation of thesecond converter 350 according to the result of the determination.Alternatively, the detector battery recognizer 370 may directly delivera result of the determination to the second converter 350 and thus thesecond converter 350 may determine whether to operate, by itself.

The detector battery (BS) may be connected to the body 110 in a varietyof methods. Hereinafter a connection method of the detector battery (BS)to the body 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11A and11B.

FIG. 10 illustrates a detector battery coupling unit in accordance withone embodiment, and FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a position of adetector battery side connection terminal in accordance with a varietyof embodiments.

The detector battery (BS) may be separated from the X-ray detector 200and then mounted to the body 110. Referring to FIG. 10, a detectorbattery coupling unit 113 may be provided in the body 110 to guide thedetector battery (BS) so that the detector battery (BS) is coupled tothe detector battery connector 340. The coupling unit 113 may be coupledto the detector battery (BS) to fix a position of the detector battery(BS) and thus the coupling unit 113 may help the detector batteryside-connection terminal (PS) and the detector battery connectorside-connection terminal (PM) to be stably coupled to each other.

FIG. 10 illustrates that the coupling unit 113 is disposed on a lowerend portion of the handle 112, but a position of the coupling unit 113is not limited thereto.

Otherwise, the detector battery (BS) may be mounted to the body 110while being coupled to the X-ray detector 200. Referring to FIG. 11A,the connection terminal of the detector battery (BS) may be provided ina wired connection terminal 210 of the X-ray detector 200. As a result,when the X-ray detector 200 is connected to the body 110 through a wire,the detector battery (BS) may be connected to the body 110.

As another example, referring to FIG. 11B, other than the wiredconnection terminal 210 of the X-ray detector 200, the connectionterminal of the detector battery (BS) coupled to the X-ray detector 200may be exposed to the outside. In this case, in the inside of thedetector accommodation unit 111 of the body 110, the detector batteryconnector 340 may be provided on a position to which the exposedconnection terminal of the detector battery (BS) is connected when theX-ray detector 200 is accommodated.

The detector battery (BS) may supply the power to some or all ofcomponent of the body 110, as well as the brake 164. Particularly, thedetector battery (BS) may supply the power to the main input/output unit150, the controller 180, and the image processor 190 to provide an X-rayimage or a control condition of the X-ray apparatus to a user.

FIG. 12 illustrates a power flow when a body battery of an X-rayapparatus is incapable of supplying the power in accordance with anotherembodiment.

When it is impossible to supply the power of the body battery (BM) orthe external commercial electricity, operating the X-ray apparatus 100may be required other than moving the body 110. For example, the usermay want to confirm an X-ray image of an object via the X-ray apparatus,after the body battery (BM) is discharged. In this case, by connectingthe detector battery (BS) of the X-ray detector 200 to the body 110, atemporary power may be supplied to the main input/output unit 150, thecontroller 180, and the image processor 190. If the detector battery(BS) has an output of 38.76WH, the body 110 having a consumptionelectricity of 50W may be operated for approximately 0.8 hour.

FIG. 13 illustrates flow chart of the X-ray apparatus in accordance withone embodiment.

Firstly, the X-ray apparatus 100 may confirm whether the body battery(BM) is in a state incapable of supplying the power (900). The stateincapable of supplying the power may include a state in which the bodybattery (BM) is discharged and a state in which an output is blockedsince the danger of the body battery (BM) is detected. When the bodybattery (BM) is capable of supplying the power, the X-ray apparatus 100may confirm whether the body battery (BM) is capable of supplying thepower, again.

Meanwhile, when the body battery (BM) is incapable of supplying thepower, the X-ray apparatus 100 may lock the rotation of the wheel 165via the brake 164 (910). The X-ray apparatus 100 may lock the rotationof the wheel 165 to prevent the damage of the X-ray apparatus 100 and tosecure the user safety, since it is no longer possible to supply thepower for the movement of the X-ray apparatus 100.

When the rotation of the wheel 165 is locked, the X-ray apparatus 100may confirm whether the rotation lock command of the wheel 165 is input(920). In this time, the rotation lock command of the wheel 165 may beinput via the auxiliary input 170. However, when the rotation lockcommand is not input, the X-ray apparatus 100 may repeatedly confirmwhether the rotation lock command of the wheel 165 is input.

Meanwhile, when the rotation lock command is input, the X-ray apparatus100 may supply the power from the detector battery (BS) to the brake 164(930). As a result, the X-ray apparatus 100 may release the lockedrotation of the wheel 165 by the brake 164 (940).

When the locked rotation of the wheel 165 is released, the user mayrotate the wheel 165 by applying an external force to move the X-rayapparatus 100 to a desired position.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the proposedX-ray apparatus and the control method thereof, although the bodybattery provided in the body is discharged, it may be possible to movethe X-ray apparatus by allowing the wheel to be rotatable via the powersupplied from the auxiliary battery of the X-ray detector.

According to the proposed X-ray apparatus and the control methodthereof, it may be possible to prevent a malfunction of the brake causedby the charging power of the auxiliary battery since the body batterycharges the auxiliary battery through a charging path only when theauxiliary battery of the X-ray detector is connected to the body, duringthe power is supplied from the body battery provided in the body.

Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplaryembodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to oneskilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompasssuch changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile X-ray apparatus comprising: a bodyincluding a body battery, a detector accommodator provided at an outsideof the body, and a wheel provided at a lower side of the body; an X-raysource coupled to the body and configured to emit X-rays to an object; adetector battery connector provided on the body and connectable to adetector battery that is mountable on an X-ray detector for detectingX-rays emitted by the X-ray source; a power supply circuit connected tothe detector battery connector to form a first path in which a power issupplied from the body battery to the detector battery and a second pathin which a power is supplied from the detector battery to the body; anda controller configured to control the power supply circuit toselectively form the first path and the second path.
 2. The mobile X-rayapparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the power supplycircuit to form the first path in which a power is supplied from thebody battery to the detector battery connector when the body battery iscapable of supplying a power.
 3. The mobile X-ray apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller controls the power supply circuit to form thesecond path in which a power is supplied from the detector battery tothe body when the body battery is incapable of supplying a power.
 4. Themobile X-ray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power supply circuitfurther comprises a detector battery recognizer configured to determinewhether the detector battery is connected to the detector batteryconnector, wherein the controller controls the power supply circuit toblock the first path when the detector battery is not connected to thedetector battery connector.
 5. The mobile X-ray apparatus of claim 1,wherein the detector battery connector is positioned at the detectoraccommodator provided on a surface of the outside of the body, and thedetector battery connector is connectable to the detector batterymounted on the X-ray detector when the X-ray detector is accommodated inthe detector accommodator.
 6. The mobile X-ray apparatus of claim 1,wherein the detector battery connector is provided on a detector batterycoupler that is provided on a lower end of a handle of the body to guidethe detector battery such that the detector battery is connected to thedetector battery connector.
 7. The mobile X-ray apparatus of claim 1,wherein the body further comprises: a wheel driver configured to providethe wheel with a torque using the power supplied from the body battery;and a brake configured to lock a rotation of the wheel, wherein thecontroller controls the brake such that the wheel is rotatable by thepower supplied from the detector battery when the rotation of the wheelis prevented.
 8. The mobile X-ray apparatus of claim 7, wherein thepower supply circuit comprises: a first converter configured to reduce avoltage of the power supplied from the body battery to the brake; and asecond converter configured to reduce a voltage of the power suppliedfrom the body battery to the detector battery.
 9. The mobile X-rayapparatus of claim 7, wherein the power supply circuit furthercomprises: a third converter configured to increase a voltage of thepower supplied from the detector battery to the brake.
 10. The mobileX-ray apparatus of claim 7, wherein the power supply circuit furthercomprises: a first switch configured to form a path in which a power issupplied to the brake from one of the body battery and the detectorbattery.
 11. The mobile X-ray apparatus of claim 7, wherein the powersupply circuit further comprises: a second switch configured to transmitor block a power supplied to the brake.
 12. The mobile X-ray apparatusof claim 9, wherein the power supply circuit further comprises: a thirdswitch configured to transmit the power, a voltage of which is increasedby the third converter, to the brake.
 13. The mobile X-ray apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the power supply circuit further comprises: a fourthswitch configured to transmit the power, a voltage of which is reducedby the first converter, to the brake.
 14. A mobile X-ray apparatuscomprising: a body including a body battery, a detector accommodatorprovided at an outside of the body, and a wheel provided at a lower sideof the body; an X-ray source coupled to the body and configured to emitX-rays to an object; a detector battery connector provided on the bodyand connectable to a detector battery that is mountable on an X-raydetector for detecting X-rays emitted by the X-ray source; a powersupply circuit connected to the detector battery connector to form afirst path in which a power is supplied from the body battery to thedetector battery and a second path in which a power is supplied from thedetector battery to the body; a controller configured to control thepower supply circuit to selectively form the first path and the secondpath; and an auxiliary input configured to receive a rotation unlockcommand of the wheel, wherein the controller controls the power supplycircuit to form the second path along which a power is supplied from thedetector battery to the body when the rotation unlock command isreceived through the auxiliary input.
 15. The mobile X-ray apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the body further comprises: a wheel driver configuredto provide the wheel with a torque using the power supplied from thebody battery and a brake configured to lock a rotation of the wheel,wherein the controller controls the brake such that the wheel isrotatable by the power supplied from the detector battery when therotation unlock command is received.
 16. The mobile X-ray apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the auxiliary input is provided on a handle providedon the body.
 17. A method of controlling a mobile X-ray apparatus, themethod comprising: locking a rotation of a wheel provided on a body whena body battery provided on the body of the mobile X-ray apparatus isincapable of supplying a power; receiving a power control command of themobile X-ray apparatus; and in response to receiving the power controlcommand, forming a second path in which a power is supplied to the bodyfrom a detector battery that is connectable to a detector batteryconnector of the body.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:forming a first path in which a power is supplied from the body batteryto the detector battery when the body battery is capable of supplying apower.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein: the receiving of the powercontrol command comprises receiving a rotation unlock command of thewheel through an auxiliary input that is provided on the body, and theforming of the second path comprises, in response to receiving therotation unlock command of the wheel, forming a power supply path inwhich a power of the detector battery is supplied to a brake provided onthe body such that the wheel is rotatable.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising supplying a power of the detector battery to thebrake.